Strict checks help eBay keep defect rates low

The etailer has 65,000 sellers, 20,000 of which offer exports. According to the company, 33-38 per cent of its sellers fall under ‘eBay top rated seller’ bracket.Shramana Ganguly | ET Bureau | Updated: October 08, 2015, 11:16 IST

eBay has announced the launch of Spanish and Portuguese versions of its website, hoping to boost its presence in growing Latin American markets.eBay India said that with stringent checks on sellers and processes it has been able to hold on to an average defect rate of 1.5 at its online platform over the past decade.

"It is critical for a seller to be with a rating below 4 on our platform," said Navin Mistry, head of retail exports and lifestyle category at eBay India.

Sellers on the portal get a rating of 1 to 5 based on feedback from buyers on parameters such as information on and quality of the product, delivery, pricing and packaging.

"Just like offline retail, if a seller is unable to fulfil your promise to a buyer, he would be blacklisted. Although the objective is not to push sellers out of the platform, we want to ensure consumers’ confidence on online retail goes up and sustains," Mistry said.

In India, according to Prashant Agarwal of management consultant firm Wazir Advisors, five to six goods out of 100 are returned. eBay India on Wednesday launched its ‘Loudest Diwali Ever’ campaign, as part of which it is offering discounts of up to 75% on technology products. The e-tailer has 65,000 sellers, 20,000 of which offer exports. According to the company, 33-38% of its sellers fall under ‘eBay top rated seller’ bracket.

"They are the performers. They communicate about their products in detail, are fast to ship and deliver products as promised. Their ratings would be high by the buyers unlike those who fall under ‘above standard seller’ and ‘below standard seller’ brackets. eBay pushes these sellers to pull up their socks and perform," said Mistry. With stringent terms and conditions laid out for sellers on its platform, the company has been able to control the system, he said.